Bach and Allard Depart Microsoft after Shake-up

Microsoft's Entertainment and Devices (E&D) Division seems to be in the midst of a massive shake-up, with the company announcing the departures of Robbie Bach, the unit's president, and J Allard, its senior vice president of Design and Development. Although rumors of Allard's leaving preceded the official announcement, the Bach departure - characterized by Microsoft as a retirement due to start this fall - came as a surprise to many.

Microsoft's Entertainment and Devices (E&D) Division, responsible for consumer products such as the Xbox and Zune media player, underwent a massive shake-up, with Robbie Bach, the unit's president, and J Allard, its senior vice president of Design and Development, both stepping down from their current positions. The Entertainment and Devices Division is dedicated to more consumer-centric endeavors, such as the Xbox, the Zune media player and software for mobile devices like the recently released Kin phones.
J Allard's departure had been preceded by days of rumors, but Bach's retirement came as more of a surprise to outside observers. J Allard will remain onboard as a consultant to Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer. Microsoft named two other executives to manage the division's assets, although the unit's ultimate structure remains unclear.